mummery Definition
meaningless ceremonies or pompous displays.
Using mummery: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mummery" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The elaborate mummery of the coronation ceremony was criticized by some as a waste of resources.
Example
The politician's speech was nothing but empty mummery, lacking any substance or concrete proposals.
Example
The festival was full of colorful mummery, with people dressed in costumes and masks.
mummery Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with mummery
a traditional Christmas-time play or pageant, often involving costumed characters and folk customs
Example
The village organized a Christmas mummery with carol singing and a procession of characters.
the use of empty or meaningless rhetoric or gestures by politicians to create an impression of action or concern
Example
The opposition criticized the government's response to the crisis as mere political mummery, without any real solutions.
ceremonies or practices in a religious context that are considered superficial, hypocritical, or lacking in spiritual significance
Example
The reformers rejected the traditional religious mummery of the church, calling for a return to the simplicity of the Gospel.
Origins of mummery
from Middle English 'momerie', meaning 'masking, disguising'
Summary: mummery in Brief
The term 'mummery' [ˈmʌməri] refers to meaningless ceremonies or pompous displays. It can be used to criticize empty rhetoric or superficial practices, as in 'The politician's speech was nothing but empty mummery.' 'Mummery' can also refer to traditional or festive pageants, such as 'Christmas mummery,' or to religious ceremonies that are considered hypocritical or lacking in spiritual significance.
